“Creating
this album was like going on a soul quest, as I tried to figure out how
to express the things I was thinking and experiencing during this past
year,” confides pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui
(pronounced Kay-Koe, meaning ‘happy, celebratory child’ in Japanese).
“This music energizes me and I am overwhelmed with emotion when I
listen to it. I hope people will allow themselves to go inside the
music and become a part of my journey,” says the stunning, profound
pianist and world citizen who is celebrating a triumphant 25 years of
recording in the US. In the words of Duke Ellington, Keiko Matsui is
‘beyond category.’

The courageous, spiritually-driven and consummate artist who enjoyed the
distinction of being an invited guest and performer at the second International Jazz Day,
sponsored by UNESCO and held in Istanbul in April 2013, transcends
boundary. Her unique melting pot of musical influences have garnered
her a devout international following. The eloquent and soft-spoken but
yet deliberate musician tours relentlessly and seeks to make a genuine
connection with her audience. “Everybody has so many things going on in
their lives but my concerts are special for me. The music creates a
oneness. The exchange I share with my audience is the root of my
energy. It’s like my mission.” Matsui has worked alongside the best
including Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela and Bob James.

A true humanitarian, Keiko has lent her voice to raise awareness for
such causes as The Daniel Pearl Foundation, The United Nations World
Food Programme, Be The Match Marrow Registry and The National Donor
Program and Marrow Foundation. She has also lent her efforts to the
continued revitalization and healing of Japan in the wake of the recent
Tsunami and Fukushima disasters. “I still have these images of
kindergarten teachers holding their kids in order to protect them. I
also think about all of the older people who did not make it and the
children who lost parents,” reflects Keiko, the first Japanese musician
to top the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts. “But when I think about the people who did
survive, I think that they may be the strongest souls there are. Out of
this pain, I have found the greatest strength from these individuals.”
Keiko Matsui’s new recording Soul Quest, is a riveting
new collection of songs that unfold like an epic journey. With an
all-star cast that includes such heavyweights as producer and drummer
Narada Michael Walden, guitarist Chuck Loeb, saxophonist Kirk Whalum and
bassist Marcus Miller, among others, Keiko explores themes of love,
loss, spirituality and environmental consciousness.

“I become very serious when I am recording a new album. I carry a
notebook around with me and take notes as ideas come to me,” confesses
Keiko. “These notes focus my vision. Each recording is like my baby, so I
feel such obligation. When I am gone these songs will still be here.”
Reflecting Keiko’s universal approach to her life and music, Soul Quest
was recorded and conceptualized on several corners of the globe– New
York, Japan, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Eastern Europe.Soul Quest opens with the transcendental and majestic “Dream
Seeker,” a melodic prayer that Keiko holds for all mankind. “I want
everyone to have a dream and to seek it.” She co-wrote the song with
guitarist and producer Chuck Loeb and it features the flamenco-like and
ethereal guitar of Loeb along with the soaring soprano saxophone of Andy
Snitzer. Soul Quest’s first single “Black Lion,” was
inspired during a rigorous Eastern European tour in which Keiko and her
band played an exhausting five countries in five weeks. They were even
detained at one point due to problems with travel visas. However, the
courageous and optimistic pianist drew inspiration from happier times
during her tour.

“I was in Georgia and after the concert we all went to a restaurant
called ‘Black Lion,’ where I saw this painting that caught my eye. The
owner explained it was by a famous Georgian painter named Niko Pirosmani
who was suffering from a broken heart after a failed romance.”
Inspired by the sadness of this painting Keiko manages to uplift us
with the searching and soaring notes of her piano. “Black Lion” and the
title track were produced by Derek Nakamoto, who Keiko has known her
entire career and who also worked with her on her previous album. “A
Night With Cha Cha,” is another remnant from Keiko’s Eastern European
crusade and is dedicated to a liquor she was introduced to in Georgia.
The track features celebrated saxophonist Kirk Whalum, who makes a
return appearance after recording with Keiko on the acclaimed CD, The Road…

Soul Quest finds Keiko Matsui doing several firsts, including
recording with Chart-topping producers Chuck Loeb and Narada Michael
Walden. She recorded with Loeb at his home studio outside of New York.
The guitarist produced five of the album’s tracks and together with
Keiko he co-wrote three songs. “Chuck is a great producer and such a
sweet human being. I got to spend time with his family and they are all
beautiful, including his dog Annie and cat, Kit Kat,” recalls Keiko
laughing. “I never had that kind of peaceful environment during a
recording.” Keiko and Chuck join forces on the catchy “Top Secret,” with
its bluesy undercurrent, percolating rhythmic pulse and the muted
trumpet of Giulio Carmassi. The two also collaborate on the Keiko
written “A Night With Cha Cha” and Loeb’s Quiet Storm inspired “Proof.”
The duo also penned together the tunes “Two Hearts” and “Dream Seeker.”

“I first met Narada Michael Walden in 2006 at a Grammy party,” shares
Keiko. “I knew his work well as a producer and I was very surprised when
he told me he loved my piano playing.” Narada and Keiko had plans to
record one song together but after they discovered their great synergy
together in the studio, they collaborated on a total of three songs –
“Moving Mountain,” “Antarctica – A Call To Action” and “Stingo.” The
process of recording with Walden was atypical for Keiko. She explains,
“Usually before I go into the studio I spend a great deal of time
preparing arrangements and production. This time I flew to San Francisco
to meet Narada and we got started right on the spot. It was very
challenging but at the same time I was able to be myself. It was a real
adventure. Their song “Moving Mountain,” is an improvisatory piece that
was done in one take. Keiko recalls “When we finished recording, I
really felt like we moved a mountain!” Narada and Keiko also join forces
for the pianist’s sublime and lilting waltz “Antarctica A Call to
Action,” which opens with primordial rhythms and addresses the fact that
Antarctica is melting and it is affecting all the animals and entire
planet. I hope the music can send a message to the world.” If you listen
carefully to the song’s quiet moments, you can hear authentic whale
sounds! Keiko is also joined for the first time on record by bassist
Marcus Miller. “Marcus made such a great track he made me cry. The
conversation we have together where the song transitions is powerful. He
pulled out everything and made it such a great experience.” Soul Quest
also finds Keiko and Narada Michael Walden paying tribute to Keiko’s
all-time favorite musician - Sting. The joy they have creating this song
is evident as they both pay homage to the iconic rocker with “Stingo,” a
nickname Narada coined for his close friend.In April 2013, Keiko Matsui had the distinction of participating in the second International Jazz Day
celebrated around the globe and held in Istanbul. She performed at the
star studded event that included luminaries Herbie Hancock, Wayne
Shorter Hugh Masakela, George Duke and countless others. Keiko who
performed with Rubén Blades states, “It was special for me and wonderful
to be with so many musicians I respect. The day was dedicated to world
peace and it was great that the event united us all beyond our culture
and differences.”

The devastating effects of the March 11, 2011 Japan earthquake and
Tsunami left close to 30,000 innocent victims dead or missing. Lives
were changed forever not only in Japan but the world. Keiko who was in
Japan at the time of the earthquake states, “I felt like my life was
going to end that day. In the Northern part everything was shaking.
Luckily my family was fine but I had family in Sendai who were
unreachable for ten days.” She goes on to explain that the Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear disaster went on to cause further destruction but that
progress is slowly occurring.

“There is still lots of recovery needed and so much loss. It has really
made a big impact on all of us. Living with less light in these times
has reminded us how to live and how much energy it takes to live. I have
been dedicating all of my shows to this and making sure to share our
story. I am so grateful for all the prayers, emails and support that
people have shown me.”

Keiko Matsui made her US recording debut in 1987 with the recording A Drop of Water. Under Northern Lights followed in 1989 and her subsequent albums of note include No Borders (1990), Night Waltz (1991), Cherry Blossom (1992), Doll (1994), Sapphire (1995) and Dream Walk
(1996), which remained on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart for
over 15 months and further cemented her reputation as a force to reckon
with. In 1997, she launched a tour dedicated to raising awareness of
breast cancer, and released a four-song CD entitled A Gift of Hope that benefitted the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization. Her music was prominently featured in Say It, Fight It, Cure It,
a Lifetime special profiling several courageous women battling breast
cancer. “My fans come from all backgrounds and I have been approached by
various foundations to join in their efforts. When I hear of a cause
that resonates with me that I can dedicate my music to then I am always
willing. It is my way to show gratitude and give back,” states Keiko
Matsui.

In 1999, the pianist performed at "A Golden Moment," a skating concert
featuring Olympic figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lipinski,
Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Katarina Witt, which benefitted the Susan G.
Komen Foundation. 1998 saw the release of her album Full Moon And The Shrine, which was accompanied by the acclaimed PBS-TV special Keiko Matsui: Light Above The Trees. In 2000, the special earned Keiko a National Smooth Jazz Award
for “Best Long-Form Video Achievement” and she was honored with an
award for “Best Female Artist.” She claimed the award again in 2001. In
2002, she released the poignant recording The Ring, which was meant to communicate a message of peace, compassion, and humanity to listeners around the world.

Keiko Matsui’s CD Deep Blue (2001) topped Billboard’s
Contemporary Jazz charts for three consecutive weeks. Keiko is the first
Japanese artist to achieve this honor. In 2003 she enjoyed success
with her recording The Piano, which featured reinventions of some of her most loved original works. In 2004 the title track of Keiko’s Wildflower
was used to support the United Nations World Food Programme’s efforts
in Africa. "I decided I wanted to support the WFP after learning about
the tremendous problems in Africa and how humanitarian assistance can
change people’s lives for the better," shares the activist." Keiko has
also collaborated with A3M (Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches) in
numerous charity concerts. In addition proceeds from her 2001 mini-CD, A Gift of Life,
went to The National Donor Program and Marrow Foundation in support of
A3M. In December 2009, the highly sought-after pianist was asked to put
together a Christmas show at the Blue Note club in Tokyo, which was a
major success and in November 2010 she made her highly anticipated debut
at the Blue Note in NY, which was sold out. In 2011 Keiko recorded with
fellow pianist Bob James on a four hand piano project called Altair & Vega. Keiko’s
depth as a composer has also allowed her to contribute music to
soundtracks in Japan, the U.S. and Russia. She also released her
critically heralded Top 5 Billboard Recording The Road… which featured Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Jackiem Joyner among others.“I always want to dedicate my music to world peace and to use my
music to give back to the planet,” declares Keiko Matsui. With the
release of Soul Quest, her mission is complete and the results promise to be long lasting.Keiko Matsui
Tour DatesAug 17 – Livermore, CA @ Bankhead Theater
Aug 19 – Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s
Aug 20 – San Francisco, CA @ Yoshi’s
Aug 21 – Oakland, CA @ Yoshi’s
Aug 22 – Oakland, CA @ Yoshi’s
Aug 23 – Petaluma, CA @ Mystic Theatre
Aug 24 – Las Vegas, NV @ Santa Fe Station
Aug 29 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
Aug 30 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
Aug 31 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
Sep 01 – Seattle, WA @ Jazz Alley
Sep 22-29 – Italy*Greece*Sicily (Dave Koz & Friends At Sea)
Oct 11 – Newport Beach, CA @ Hyatt Newport Beach
Oct 13 – Temecula, CA @ Thorton Winery
Oct 18 – Rehoboth Beach, DE @ Rehoboth Beach Jazz Fest
Oct 19 – Alexandria, VA @ Birchmere
Oct 20 – Austin, TX @ One World Theatre
Oct 21 – The Woodlands, TX @ Dosey Doe
Jan 12-19 – Caribbean (Smooth Jazz Cruise)